Firefighters battle blaze in Belgium’s largest nature reserve
Fire crews in Belgium confronted a wildfire that has devastated a third of the High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) nature reserve, prompting officials to advise residents in two surrounding villages to evacuate.
The blaze, described by regional authorities as Belgium’s biggest in recent memory, continues to spread across bog‑like moorland and dense forest, heightening fears that it could reach nearby homes.
Coordination with the European Union’s civil‑protection mechanism has brought in aerial support: Swedish water‑bombing aircraft and helicopters, a Czech helicopter and a Dutch helicopter arrived to aid ground operations.
The fire started on Friday night and has evolved into a complex operation, with wind patterns shifting twice during the day, according to firefighters on the scene.
While the High Fens firefighters work to contain the flames, other parts of Europe are experiencing similar crises. In the Landes region of south‑western France, roughly 650 residents have been evacuated after a separate wildfire threatened homes and landmarks.
Across Croatia, Spain and Serbia, authorities report ensuing forest fires, all linked to a particularly hot summer. The EU’s Copernicus climate monitoring service confirms that the June‑July period in western Europe was the hottest on record.
The challenging terrain of the High Fens – characterized by wetlands, marshes and scattered fir forests – has hindered firefighting efforts, according to Nicolas Yernaux, a Wallonia spokesperson. Et’t ils have allowed certain areas to burn intentionally to conserve resources and ensure safety.
Firefighters report that while some sections have been contained, the situation remains volatile. The risk of ignition spreading to residential areas remains a priority for local authorities, who have set up temporary shelters, such as a gymnasium, for evacuees.
Despite the multinational support and intensive ground operations, the blaze demonstrates the growing threat of wildfires in Europe’s increasingly warm and dry climate.
